These should be our guiding principles in every decision we make. ‘Love and Loyalty’ (Proverbs 3:3) should be deeply embedded in our hearts.
Loyalty means, for example, speaking about others as if they were present. We establish trust in those who are present by our loyalty to those who are not present. If you live like this, God promises you a good reputation ‘in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people’ (Verse 4, The Message).
Run to God! Run from evil!
We are to trust in God rather than becoming arrogant and thinking that we are clever. Fear of God, in the sense of healthy respect for him, should lead us to ‘Run to God! Run from evil!’ (Verse 7). God promises that ‘this will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones’ (Verse 8). In other words, there is a connection between the spiritual and the physical.
Become a generous giver.
It really matters what you do with your money. Give God ‘the first and the best’ (Verse 9) (that is, the first part of your income not the last). I’ve found this to be an extraordinary principle; that if you get your giving right, you discover the truth of the promise that God will supply all your needs: ‘your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine’ (Verse 10). That’s not a name-it-and-claim-it doctrine. Barns and vats are spiritual in nature too. You’ll discover a deeper relationship with Christ in the process.
And that’s the Memo.
Steve
Proverbs 3:1-10 (The Message)
Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you;
take to heart my commands.
They’ll help you live a long, long time,
a long life lived full and well.
Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.
